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Description

Duloxetine hydrochloride is a competitive inhibitor of serotonin and norepinephrine transporters (SERT, NET) that is clinically used to treat depression, anxiety, neuropathy, fibromyalgia, and stress urinary incontinence. Duloxetine’s inhibition of neurotransmitter reuptake alters downstream signaling mediated by NMDA receptors and NO as well. The inhibitory activity of this compound on neurotransmitter reuptake is related to its antidepressant and anxiolytic characteristics. The effects of duloxetine as a treatment for neuropathy and fibromyalgia, however, are likely due to its antagonist activity at voltage-gated Nav1.7 Na+ channels, which are involved in fibromyalgia and pain signaling.